Celebrating 75 years of speed, power, and the world's fastest motorsport

1998

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1998 PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE WORLD CHAMPION MATT HINES

Top Fuel world champion
Gary Scelzi

Funny Car world champion
John Force

Pro Stock world champion
Warren Johnson

Pro Stock Motorcycle world champion
Matt Hines

Top Alcohol Dragster world champion
Rick Santos

Top Alcohol Funny Car world champion
Frank Manzo

Comp eliminator world champion
Bob Andrews

Super Stock world champion
Dan Fletcher

Stock eliminator world champion
Jeff Hefler

Super Comp world champion
Gary Stinnett

Super Gas world champion
Jimmy Lewis

1998

SEASON HIGHLIGHTS

‘SNAKE’ DOUBLES IN POMONA

Legendary driver-turned-car-owner Don Prudhomme had one of his greatest days when his Top Fuel driver, Larry Dixon, and Funny Car pilot, Ron Capps, both took home titles at the season-opening NHRA Winternationals.

GETTING OUR KICKS

Stadium-like Route 66 Raceway outside of Chicago opened for business and hosted the NHRA Route 66 Nationals, where Kenny Bernstein (Top Fuel), Whit Bazemore (Funny Car), and Mike Thomas (Pro Stock) collected victories.

FAST FUNNY CARS

John Force became the first Funny Car driver to crack the 320-mph barrier at the NHRA Mopar Parts Nationals, five mph faster than any Funny Car had ever gone and faster than any Top Fuel dragster in history.

NHRA MUSEUM OPENS IN DOORS

The Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Museum, long a vision and dream of the NHRA founder, opened in Pomona, showcasing 50 years of drag racing and other motorsports displays and memorabilia.

1998

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

1998 rookie

Jeg Coughlin Jr.

Already an accomplished Sportsman driver and 1992 Super Gas world champion, the second-generation racer won four times in his rookie season in Pro Stock and finished second in points.

Road to the Future award: Doug Kalitta

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